Potential Replacement for Platner: Scenarios If He Withdraws

Graham Platner, the Democratic nominee for Senate in Maine, may be replaced on the ballot if he withdraws by next Monday. If he steps down, the Maine Democratic Party will have until July 27 to select a replacement. The situation has arisen following a Politico report alleging Platner sexually assaulted a woman he dated, a claim he denies, stating he needs time to reassess his political future.

With Platner potentially exiting the race, Maine Democrats face a complex two-week period to choose a new nominee. State law does not specify the procedure for replacing a candidate under these circumstances, noted Kate McBrien, chief of staff to Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows.

Charles Dingman, chairman of the Maine Democratic Party, alongside other party leaders, urged Platner to withdraw, as posted on social media. Dingman did not immediately respond to messages seeking comment. High-ranking party officials have contemplated various strategies to select Platner’s replacement. These include convening a pop-up convention, or organizing a statewide caucus similar to a primary election, as cited by anonymous sources involved in party discussions.

The idea of having the party’s committee, composed of about 100 members, make the nomination decision has been dismissed. Platner initially won the Democratic primary in June after his main competitor, Gov. Janet Mills, withdrew due to insufficient fundraising.

No precedent exists for a Maine candidate withdrawing post-primary and pre-general election, stated Ms. McBrien. Possible replacements for Platner, should he withdraw, include candidates who previously ran for governor. Among them are Shenna Bellows, former Maine Senate president Troy Jackson, and Nirav Shah, erstwhile director of Maine’s public health agency. Jordan Wood, who lost a primary for a House district in northern Maine, is another potential choice. Gov. Mills is considered less likely to be chosen; she did not reply to inquiries on Monday.

Reporter Reid J. Epstein contributes to the Times with expertise in campaign and election coverage from Washington.